Press release

Turkey come back from behind to down Italy in dramatic four sets

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, July 26, 2013 – Reigning champions Turkey pulled off a magnificent come-from-behind 3-1 (19-25 25-19 25-17 25-23) victory over Italy in their first Pool D match at the Liptapanlop Hall in the Girls U18 World Championship.

Turkey’s Pelin Aroguz scored a match-high of 22 points, while Anna Nicoletti emerged as the top scorer for Italy after bagging 23 points.

World No.4 Turkey started confidently in their tough clash against tall Italy, spearheaded by the two towers - Anna Nicoletti and Beatrice Berti, both of them 193cm tall. The opening set was a hard-fought thriller with both sides attacking and blocking effectively. Pelin Aroguz tore the Italian defence apart with her exceptional spikes, while Italy bounced back with their attacks from Anastasia Guera and Anna Nicoletti. Italy surprisingly took the first set 25-19.

Turkey found their touch in the second set. They covered the court well, with Arelya Karasoy uncorking sharp shots. Turkey captured the second set 25-19 for a 1-1 draw.

Turkey remained in form in the third set. The well-organised team attacked, blocked and served with ultimate efforts of winning this match, which could be a good start in the world-class tournament. Their determination paid off well when Turkey won the set 25-17. They stormed on with their brilliant form to win the fourth set 25- 23 and the match.

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